Pharmacist describes industry changes

The Rotary Club of Woy Woy has heard a club former member, pharmacist Mr Ross Pearce, as its latest guest speaker.

"Ross commenced by explaining that the chemistry behind pharmacy had dramatically changed over the years," said club publicity officer Mr Vic Deeble.

"He showed the molecular structure of a drug that formed the basis of his early pharmacy years that had a simple benzene ring with 'not much hanging off it'.

"He said that a person could probably have a reasonable chance of making it themselves at home.

"It had a molecule with a carbon count of 10 and a molecular weight of 211.

"He then showed a modern drug used for rheumatoid arthritis with a carbon count of 224 and a molecular weight of over 51,000.

"Not something you could conjure up at home," Mr Deeble said.

Mr Pearse then gave a brief history of the development of drugs in Australia over the past 30 years and of the health industry, discussing the introduction of several vaccines and the implementation of the My Health record.

"Ross concluded by answering many questions from members on a wide range of topics with the aplomb as befits someone who has mastered his field," Mr Deeble said.

SOURCE:

Newsletter, 3 Dec 2019

Vic Deeble, Rotary Club of Woy Woy